A/N Thank you all so much for the comments, I love that :) This chapter we're going to hear a little about house plans and from there it's all about surprises. Sweet quiet Cyrus is going to surprise his Uncle a little, Lori will have a surprise visitor, and Beth will receive a surprise gift! Yay!
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They woke early but were in no hurry to get out of bed. Instead of getting up and beginning their day, they lay in the warmth of the soft bed and the love they shared.
While wrapped in each other's arms they spoke of the plans they'd made for the home they would build together. They were excited about their future and he smiled as he let his finger glide softly and slowly along the curve of her face, but he cautioned "We can't get too far ahead of ourselves Sweetheart. It's gonna be a while before we can do anythin' 'cept get that irrigation in. I got a feelin' I'll be busy on that til September." He kissed her and added, "But we also gotta get the logs cut. I wanna let em cure for a year before we start buildin' the house. Next year, that's when we start on our house. Our home."
She was smiling, using her fingers to comb the hair back off his forehead as she agreed, "I know and I understand, it's just that after we talked last night, and you sketched it out, I couldn't help imagining us living there and what it would be like." She leaned in and kissed him before adding, "I want you to know I love this home. I'm so happy here and I would be happy to stay here the rest of my life Daryl. But all the talk has me dreaming."
"Me too Beth, and just cuz we ain't gonna be buildin' it right away don't mean I can't start drawin' up the detailed plans and figurin' out the materials we need. I gotta get those figures right cuz when I make the trip for those things we need it's gonna be a job itself. It'll take more'n one wagon and might take more'n one trip."
He wove his fingers through her hair as he drew her closer to him, gave her a tender kiss and continued, "Me n Merle, even Virg can cut the trees for the logs, but I'm a little worried about all the time it takes peelin' em; especially with how many are gonna be needed. Runnin' the business, workin' on the irrigation and makin' sure we got everythin' we need for next winter, damn, darn, I ain't gonna have a lotta time." He gave her a reassuring look and added, "I don't want ya ta worry though, I'll figure it out."
"I'm not at all worried about you. But why do the logs have to have the bark peeled off? Couldn't we just leave it?"
He bit his lip and then explained, "A person could do it that way but you'd likely end up with trouble. For one thing peeled logs look a whole lot better, but the most important thing is the house will last a lot more years if they're peeled. When ya leave the bark on all kinds a bugs get in there and make themselves at home. They do a lot of damage and even that ain't as bad as the moisture. If any water gets trapped under the bark, and it will, we're gonna have trouble with rot and such."
She gave him a look that let him know she meant it completely when she said, "I can peel the logs Daryl." Then she gave him a little smile adding, "I'll have to wear my boy clothes and leather gloves, but I bet I can do it."
"Yeah? Well I'd bet ya can do just about whatever ya set your mind too." He didn't really think she could do it, and even if she could he wasn't going to let her. Hand peeling logs was simply too hard, hard on the back, the arms and legs. Still he wasn't going to bring all that up, not right then.
He rubbed her low back and asked, "Ya feelin' better this monrin'?"
"I am Daryl. Thank you so much for letting me rest. I don't recall when I've slept so much."
"If your body didn't need it I don't s'pose ya would have."
"You're so good to me Daryl and I feel very blessed, but you worry about me too much. I promise I'm fine."
They got out of bed and he pinned the shawl around her shoulders and then she buttoned his shirt. He finished getting dressed while shaking his head at what a slow start he was getting and he teased, "Them animals are gonna be wonderin' why I ain't fed em, and your girl Sally's gonna be mooin' and complainin' so loud about her full udder Merle's gonna hear her clear over at his house."
As they walked from their bedroom they saw it out the window, huge fluffy-looking snowflakes were slowly drifting down. He opened the door and saw at least eight inches of fresh snow. In spite of the cold he held the door open, "C'mere a minute." He put his arm across her shoulders and asked, "Ain't it pretty Beth? Look at our land here, it's like someone spread a bunch a your delicious cake frostin' all over it."
"It's so beautiful Daryl." Then she wondered, "Will we be able to get to church?"
"Yes ma'am if ya feel up to it. I gotta hitch up the sled ta take Merle and his family anyhow, with this snow they'll be expectin' me." He pulled her close and reminded her, "Ya put on them long johns and ya bundle up. It's real pretty but it's cold. Alright?"
He went out to tend the animals while she got the coffee on and their breakfast started. The chicken fried moose steak they'd had for dinner was so big they'd be having leftovers with their eggs that morning. She smiled as she got the biscuits in the oven, knowing how much her husband loved biscuits and gravy. She made potato patties with the leftover mashed potatoes from their dinner too. Then she wondered why she'd made so much. They were having dinner with Merle and Karen after church and she couldn't imagine either of them would be hungry. But she also knew how happy the big breakfast was going to make her husband and that was all that mattered to her.
The wagon he called a sled had no seating. He stood at the front holding the reigns and she stood beside him, her arms wrapped around his waist as her small hands firmly griped his coat for stability. He'd taken her scarf and wrapped it around her face so that, save for her eyes she was covered. She was surprised what a difference it made in how warm she felt, and she never worried anymore about wearing the long underwear. She'd lived in the high country long enough to appreciate their value.
They picked up his brother's family, the boys climbing in the sled first as their Uncle gave them each a hand. Merle lifted Karen up to Daryl who grabbed her waist, lifting her the rest of the way. Mary Ellen was next and the moment she was in she immediately went to stand by Beth. Finally Daryl reached a hand out to grip his brother's hand while Merle braced one foot on the wagon's edge, Daryl pulling while Merle hoisted himself in.
In an effort to keep warm they all stood close together on the short ride to the church, Daryl holding the reigns and Blackie and Ginger pulling the sled. When they arrived he lifted Beth down and she whispered to him, "I'm quite positive I have the most clever husband in the Montana Territory, surely the entire west. That was such a fun ride."
As they approached the church they saw Ezekiel King standing outside near the steps. Merle tipped his hat to the man noting, "Better get on in and get outta this weather."
The man responded, "I wasn't sure I would be welcome inside."
Merle just shrugged his shoulders and told the man, "You're in Montana now, God's country, and this here is God's house."
Folks were gathered in the vestibule warming up and chatting with one another before services. Beth glanced around hoping to see Lori and when her eyes landed on her friend the sight made her heart hurt. No one was speaking with her, no one welcoming her. There she stood next to the sheriff and appearing so alone. Her expression was strained and her eyes looked tired and sad. Not only was no one speaking to her, but her husband neither held her arm nor so much as glanced her way.
Beth knew her friend had done wrong but she was making every effort not to judge, instead turning her thoughts to what a good friend Lori had been to her. She looked at her own husband and said, "We should chat with them Daryl." And she tipped her head ever so slightly in Rick and Lori's direction.
Her husband knew just what she was getting at, nodded his head and took her elbow as they walked to greet their friends. Beth didn't hold back. She drew Lori into a hug, kissed her cheek and smiled happily when she said, "Oh my goodness I have missed you my friend. I'm so happy to see you here today. I hope you're well."
Lori seemed stunned at first and then whispered, "Thank you Beth. Thank you for speaking to me."
In the meantime Rick and Daryl were busy talking about the weather and who was most likely snowed in, and Daryl told him about the plans he had for the irrigation system. While they were chatting Amy and Zach walked in and Amy greeted Beth and Lori while Zach joined Rick and Daryl's conversation. The tension had been lifted, at least temporarily.
It seemed like everything was back to how it had been, except that when it was time to walk to their pews Rick still did not look at his wife nor did he take her elbow.
The congregants were making there way to their seats when the new Marm and her daughter arrived, hats, coats and boots covered in the fresh powdery snow. Beth and Daryl gave each other a knowing look and a little smile when they watched Ezekiel King hurry to his feet and assist Carol and Sophia with their coats.
Beth thought she would talk to Lori a little more after services, perhaps they could visit during the upcoming week. But the service had only just ended when Rick whisked his family away.
They walked toward their wagon and the blacksmith could see the sadness on his wife's face. That was a look he never could take. He laid his hand softly on her low back and whispered in her ear, "It breaks a man ta think he can't keep his wife happy at home. It's gonna take a lotta time ta patch up that break."
The adults, including, Virgil continued to sit at Merle and Karen's table after their dinner had been eaten. Daryl was showing them his plans for the irrigation system, and then the very rough drawing of the house he planned to build. He spoke of the need for the irrigation system first, "If I can figure out exactly how much pipe I need, plus fittin's and everythin' else, I'ma get the materials ordered. It'll take a while ta get em here, or we might have ta go ta Billings and pick em up, so I don't wanna wait. Once I got everything here maybe I'll be able ta get started."
His brother nodded in agreement and added, "It'd be good if we could get started cuttin' down them trees too. Between your place and mine we're gonna need a lotta logs, I aint even sure how many."
That's when Cyrus, always the quiet one, came over and calmly and confidently announced, "I know I ain't as strong as Virg and there's a lot I can't help with, but I'm real good at some stuff. I can help ya figure it. With that house you tell me the size you want each of those rooms, then I'll figure what the square footage is then I can figure how many logs it will take. Same with the irrigation, you just tell me how many feet each section is, how many bends and all like that, and I can tell ya how much ta buy of everything."
Merle looked at his brother with a smile, shrugged and said, "Well he's always been the best with his figures. He's working on our house plan now. Maybe ya oughta give him a try."
The blacksmith and his nephew sat side by side and looked at the rough sketch of the house first. Daryl told Cyrus how big he'd like each of the three bedrooms, as well as the bathroom, the kitchen and eating area, the living room and the small mudroom. "I also wanna big front porch that runs the length a the house."
His nephew's brow was wrinkled in concentration as he wrote the information down, then asked, "Alright now tell me where ya want the hearth and how big ya want it. Tell me where the doors are and how many windows and where they are. I need ta know about the counters and the cupboards too. I gotta know all that to figure all the different materials ya need."
Daryl had thought to do all of it himself. He had a lot of experience figuring materials for all kinds of things. But if Cyrus wanted it, then Daryl wanted to let the boy be part of all they were doing for their future. Still he wondered how someone just coming up to ten years old could possibly figure it all. If his uncle had any doubts though, he didn't let on, he told the boy everything he said he needed to know.
"I'll get ta working on it and even drawing up a real nice plan with the measurements and all the other stuff. Maybe I can come by after school this week and we can work on some of it together. I mean if the shop ain't too busy."
Daryl nodded, "Sure, that sounds real good. Ya come on by anytime Cyrus."
Cyrus smiled then, "I been hoping for a chance like this. I love to figure."
His Daddy just patted him on the shoulder noting, "Well son you'll be the first Dixon who ever did. That must come to ya from your Mama's side."
Karen just smiled and shrugged, "If that's so then I wouldn't be aware of who it was. I struggle sometimes myself."
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Monday morning came and and her husband and son had been gone a half hour or so when the knock came to her door. Lori couldn't imagine who was calling on her so early, and she couldn't believe it when she opened the door and saw who was standing there. It was as if the woman froze in place. She was neither moving nor speaking.
Not one to shy away Andrea smiled and cheerfully greeted the sheriff's wife, "Hello Lori. It's chilly out here this morning. Are you going to invite me in for tea?"
That brought her back. She'd never socialized with Andrea Harrison, they'd never really had a conversation and she couldn't imagine why the woman was at her door. She minded her manners though and responded, "I'm sorry Andrea, yes, please come in. Have a seat and I'll get us tea."
Andrea stepped in the parlor and was not at all surprised by what she saw. A little sad perhaps, but not surprised. There on the sofa lay the bed covers and pillow. The story they told was clear, the sheriff had abandoned his bed. Andrea had her work cut out for her, sleeping apart was no way to mend the trouble between the couple.
Lori came back with the two cups of tea and as she set them on the small table she apologized, "Oh my, I'm so sorry for the mess. Please, let me hurry and get these things put away."
"Don't worry dear, I've seen far worse messes than this. Let me help you fold the blankets."
Lori couldn't imagine why this woman had called on her, and why she was being so nice and so helpful. It didn't matter. It felt good to have someone there actually speaking to her and being kind. Rick had come home the Saturday before, thrown Shane and his things out of their house, sent Carl to Jim and Merna's, and then angrily scolded her for over an hour. Since then he hadn't spoken to her at all.
She didn't blame him. He had every right to be angry and every right to shun her. She considered herself lucky he hadn't thrown her out with Shane. He was certainly within his rights to do so.
She didn't even know why she'd done what she'd done. Why had she forsaken her marriage and her family to lay with a man she knew didn't love her? She didn't have an answer.
She felt the other woman take her hand, "Come dear, let's sit and have our tea." Andrea smiled as she explained, "Caesar and I took Sunday dinner with my sister and her husband yesterday. While the men chatted Amy and I had our own conversation. My sister expressed great concern for you and I thought I should check in." She gave Lori a soft and understanding smile when she added, "It might help you to talk to a woman who is as full of sin as myself. Your brief lapse in morals pales in comparison. You have to know I could not possibly judge you."
Lori wasn't sure what to say or do, there was no need to worry because Andrea continued, "I assure you that whatever you tell me will stay with me, and there is nothing you can say that will shock me." She squeezed Lori's hand, kissed her cheek and suggested, "Let's chat a while and see if we can decide just how we're going to get the sheriff off the sofa and back in bed with his wife."
Lori was surprised but not offended by the woman's frank words. She did feel the need to talk to someone and she was ready to accept help. Andrea shrugged and said, "I assume that's what you want, your husband back in your bed. Maybe you don't. Why don't you tell me?"
Lori broke down then. It was not hysterical crying and sobbing but the tears were flowing. "I don't know what I was thinking, I mean I do. Shane was always flattering me and it was exciting to have a man paying so much attention to me, and to receive nice compliments from him. As time passed his comments became more and more, um, I guess romantic is the right word. He wasn't just saying nice things to me anymore, he let it be known he had strong desire for me. To my great shame I succumbed to his advances."
Andrea put her hand on the other woman's cheek and in a way consoled her, "Dear, I've known many a man like Shane Walsh. They are very well-versed in exactly the words a woman wants to hear and just how to say those words." She thought about her own words carefully, "They somehow sense the women that are perhaps feeling a little lonely or who may be seeking a bit of danger and excitement, those are the women they prey on."
"The world is full of men who will tell you the words you want to hear, and will be more than pleased to bed you. What you have had with Rick is a rare thing, a good man who loves you and is devoted. I have never seen your husband so much as speak to the working women at the saloon. I can't say that about all of the husbands in town."
Lori began to cry harder and Andrea asked the simple question, "Do you love your husband?"
"Yes of course I do. I made a terrible mistake and I understand if he can't forgive me, but I will always love Rick."
"It's going to take a long time to make him believe that again. You'll have to prove it to him over and over, until both his heart and his mind truly trust in your love."
Lori was still crying and now nodding her head when she asked the woman, "I told him I'm sorry and that I love him and no one else. What more can I do?"
"Now Dear, you allowed another man take his pleasure with you, willingly. There's nothing that gets to the core of a man more than that. You've got Rick not only doubting your love but doubting his own manhood, and his ability to satisfy your needs in the bedroom. Understand, he's disappointed in you, disappointed in himself and his heart is broken." She paused then, looked in Lori's eyes and asked, "You haven't had bedroom troubles with your husband have you?"
"No, not at all. Rick is a wonderful lover." Lori's hand went to cover her mouth as if she couldn't believe she'd said the words out loud.
Andrea smiled, nearly laughed and said, "Well that's nice to hear." She got more serious and added, "Now you have to make him believe that. Maybe you can start by not dressing so much like a homemaker. How about dressing more like you would if a handsome man were coming to call on you. And maybe you can go out of your way to see to his needs, whatever they may be. Prepare his favorite meals, get his pipe, rub his shoulders, fix him a little shot of whiskey when he gets home at night. Spoil your husband a little Dear, make him feel that you think he's special and deserving."
She smiled when she said, "Men are stronger than women in most ways, but they are quite tender when it comes to such things as their masculinity and sexual prowess. Don't be reluctant to praise him every chance you get. Tell him how handsome he looks and what a manly figure he cuts, and how exciting you find his touch. You know what I'm speaking of, treat him the way you used to treat him when you were first together."
Andrea gave her an encouraging smile as she instructed, "You go on up and change now, put on your prettiest dress. Go on. I'll wait."
A few minutes later, when Lori came back to the parlor Andrea stood, went right to her and unbuttoned several of the buttons on the bodice of the dress, tucking the fabric in carefully to show off Lori's décolletage and small bosom. "Here, let me get something." Andrea reached in her small velvet purse and drew out a tiny vial. "This is a very nice perfume gifted to me by a traveling man from Chicago." She dabbed a little of the fragrance behind Lori's ears and on her exposed cleavage. Then she loosened Lori's long hair from the pins that held it in a tight bun, letting it fall around her shoulders.
"I'm leaving now and I'll be stopping in at the sheriff's office on my way to the saloon. I'm going to tell your husband he's needed at home immediately and that he should hurry." She smiled then and instructed, "When he gets here you just get right down on your knees. That usually works to break the ice."
Lori was confused, "You mean get down on my knees and beg him?"
"Well not that exactly. I'm speaking of servicing him."
"I don't understand."
"Oh my, well let me tell you how that works." And Andrea explained what she meant in great detail, while the sheriff's wife listened wide-eyed and only half-believing.
Lori was stunned by what the woman suggested, "Surely you can't be serious. Do women really do that? I, well…"
Andrea kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear, "Working women do, and women who are trying to set things right with a man they did wrong. What you may find out Dear, is that you enjoy it as much as he does."
Andrea stopped by the sheriff's office on her way back to the saloon and took the man aside. Her voice had an urgent tone as she whispered, "You need to get home right away. Go on now, hurry." And before the sheriff could ask questions she was on her way out the door.
What the sheriff's wife did that morning did not fix everything. Nor did the assurances she made to him immediately following. She promised him she had never and could never love another, and that no man was strong enough or good enough to take his place in the bedroom or anywhere else. Her words of love, and her pleading for his love in return were like a salve to her husband's wounded heart and damaged pride.
Lori had gotten him back in their bed, and that was a start.
00
Monday after school Cyrus Dixon stopped at the land office. He spoke to Eugene Porter and asked if he could borrow a t-square, a compass, a set of templates, a protractor, a triangular scale and several other drafting tools. "And I need some of that paper too. I'll pay for the paper and I can give ya some money for using the tools."
Eugene was in a kind of delighted state of disbelief, how did this young Dixon boy know of such things and what could he possibly be up to? In his usual manner, Eugene asked plainly, "What would a boy such as yourself possibly need with these tools?"
Cyrus explained it all to him and the man responded, "There's no reason for you and the smithy to fuss with such matters. I could work all of it out for you lickety-split."
"I know you could sir and I appreciate it. But this is something I wanna try. Maybe when I'm all done I can bring everything back and you can tell me if I did it right."
"You have a deal sir. I'm anxious to see if your young mind is capable of this kind of detail work."
Cyrus hurried to his Uncle's shop and showed him the tools and the special drafting paper he'd purchased. The blacksmith was impressed, "Alright, I tell ya what. Just like ya said, you come by here every day and we'll work on the irrigation, your Daddy's new place and mine too. I'm only gonna help a little. Most of it is up ta you. Alright?"
Daryl was pretty sure he could do it all himself much faster and probably more accurately, but he'd made up his mind he could wait the week or so it would take Cyrus to try his hand at it. He appreciated that the boy wanted to be involved.
Cyrus was beaming, "Yes Uncle Daryl, that's how I wanted it. I know I ain't strong like Virg and maybe I never will be, but I'm clever in some ways and I can help in those ways, you'll see."
His Uncle laid his hands on the boy's shoulders, looked him in the eye and told him, "Cyrus Dixon ya listen ta me now. You're plenty strong and plenty capable at doin' a lotta things. Ya always have been. And lemme tell ya sumthin' else. You got a lotta sumthin' that a lotta folks don't have any of at all, brains and a real good heart. I'm anxious and proud ta work with ya."
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Wednesday morning he was at the shop early and not just because he had a piano to deliver to his bride. He also had three sleds ready to take to Reg Monroe and he'd enlisted the help of Abraham and Tyrese for both jobs. They'd start with the piano delivery and then each of the three men would drive a sled to the Monroe's ranch, then ride the horses back.
He hitched Blackie to the sled he'd be driving and Buck to the one Abraham would drive, but Tyrese had ridden in on one of Monroe's stallions. When the horses were hitched he left Virgil in charge of the shop and the men drove the short distance to the marm's house.
Olivia met them there and after much discussion on what was the best way to transport the piano, they loaded it in the wagon Daryl was to drive. They covered the instrument with an old quilt to protect it from scratches before securing it with rope and drove slowly and carefully to the blacksmith's home.
Beth was busy sweeping when she heard horses. It scared her a little, she wasn't expecting anyone. She hurried to the window to see who was approaching. She smiled when she saw her husband in the lead wagon followed by Tyrese and Abraham. She had no idea what they might be about, but she was always pleased to see Daryl.
The other men waited in the sleds while he went to the door and she met him there. He stepped inside and shut the door behind him, hugged his wife and they shared a brief kiss. "Daryl what are you doing home? And with Tyrese and Abraham? Is everything alright?"
"Ain't ya happy just ta see me?"
She laughed and answered, "You know that I am, it's just unusual."
"I gotta carry sumthin' heavy in and I needed a couple a good-sized fellas ta help me." He saw the broom and added, "Sorry, we're probably gonna mess up the floors."
"What is it?"
"Ain't tellin'. It's a surprise, a present for ya."
"What?! Daryl…"
Beth didn't get to finish her question because he quickly kissed her again, said, "I'll be right back," and he was out the door.
She couldn't help watching out the window as she wondered what in the world her husband could be up to. At first she had no idea what the big bulky thing under the quilt could possibly be, but when the ropes were loose and the quilt was off she squealed in delight.
It was heavy and awkward and they didn't want to jostle it. They did their best to take it slow and easy as they lifted it from the wagon and carried the big instrument in the house. They set it up and by then she was nearly jumping up and down with excitement, as she willed herself to try and remain composed in front of the other men.
Daryl was beaming with pride and she wanted to hug him, but she was reluctant with Abraham and Tyrese there. All she did was smile and say, "It's the most wonderful gift, thank you so much. But how? Where did it come from?"
Her husband simply answered, "We'll talk about all that later."
Never one to be shy Abraham suggested, "Play us a little tune and let's see if the thing sounds right."
She sat and played a song from church and it sounded almost perfect, the piano was just a bit out of tune. She didn't mention that and none of the men, most importantly her husband, noticed. Later she'd ask Olivia if anyone ever came through town that tuned pianos.
Abraham and Tyrese made there way to the wagons but her husband stayed back. He wanted to hold his wife and kiss her before he left, as much as she'd wanted the same with him. Her small hands rested on his cheeks and tears of happiness filled her eyes when she said, "Oh my gosh Daryl, I squealed when I saw what it was. I can't believe you bought me such a beautiful thing, and I'm sure quite an expensive gift. Thank you so much my husband. How am I so blessed?"
"I'm only tryin' ta make ya as happy as ya make me. Ya deserve that piano and so much more Beth."
He kissed her deeply and her body instantly responded to him. She loved him with her entire being and she did not shy from telling him, "I'm well now, the monthly is done. After dinner tonight I think we should celebrate with a bath."
"Hell yeah, I mean heck yeah I like that idea." He kissed her again and it's difficult to say whether it was harder for him to leave or harder for her to watch him go.
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A/N I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it for you. Please leave a comment / review. As always, the chap photo is on my tumblr blogs, gneebee, bethylmethbrick and the story blog A Place Called Heavenly. Next chapter we're going to take a little time jump and spend Christmas with our couple in the high country. I hope to see you all back next Friday for more of Heavenly. Until then remember, I love ya large and appreciate you greatly! xo gneebee